Austin Cook’s passion for window film started differently
than the journeys of many other tinters. Five years ago, Cook was simply
looking for a business to purchase when he took his vehicle in to Quality
Window Tinting for a film installation.

“I immediately asked the owner if he would train me to tint
so that I could open up my own tint shop,” says Cook. “Although he was
unwilling to train me, he told me that his business was for sale. We agreed
upon a price and I purchased the business along with three months of training.
I came in early and left late every day to fit all the training into three
months.”

Cook has learned a lot about the industry and expanded the
business since he took over at Quality Window Tinting.

“Over the past five years Austin has expanded the shop
by 100 percent, adding additional services and product offerings, and
increasing the territories that [the company] services,” says Micaela
Hichborn, director of operations for Quality Window Tinting.

“The increased awareness of the benefits of window film
coupled with the increase of residential and commercial buildings in San
Luis Obispo have made window tinting a profitable career path,” says Cook.
“Since the purchase of the business, I have expanded the services and
physical location, adding window crack repair, headlight restoration,
an additional bay and a waiting room for customers.”

In addition, Cook has also added a new service signs and
graphics business to the shop, which includes wide format printing. However,
what makes Cook stand out in the crowd is his dedication to giving the
customer more than what they pay for. “We take pride in going above and
beyond for each and every customer, whether it be washing their car, giving
them a ride, or leaving a new microfiber in their car,” says Cook.

Cook also takes pride in his work environment, installing
a HEPA filter, reverse osmosis system and maintaining a climate-controlled
shop environment. Just last year, the company removed and replaced 1,270
square feet of film and reapplied eight mil security film for a well-known
retail chain.

Since purchasing Quality Window Tinting, Cook has received
more than 70 Google reviews and a five-star rating. Cook said one of the
main motivations for making his business a success was to provide the
“stepping stones” so that he could do the outside activities that he enjoys
so much.

When Cook is not busy in the shop, you can find him enjoying
the outdoors, riding dirt-bikes and horses.